Georgia man charged in sex attacks at suburban hotel pool

A traveling salesman from Georgia has been arrested in northwest suburban Elk Grove Village after authorities said he molested two girls and a woman at a local hotel swimming pool.

Charles Smith, 55, of the 1300 block of Howard Way in Lawrenceville, Ga., is charged with predatory criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse, authorities said. Smith appeared in court in Rolling Meadows Wednesday, where his bond was set at $200,000.

Officials from the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office said Smith was staying at the Ramada O’Hare hotel at 1600 Oakton Street Saturday when he encountered the two girls, aged 10 and 11, at the pool, where they were attending a party. Authorities said Smith molested the girls after telling them he was a lifeguard and offering swimming lessons.

Smith is also accused of fondling a 27-year-old woman in the pool after also telling her he was a lifeguard, the state’s attorney’s office said.